Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a classical trek, essentially the final third of the Annapurna Circuit, following the gorges of Kali Gandaki Valley between the soaring peak of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri. It emerges to the north of the main Himalayan range, on the dry, desert- like Tibetan Plateau. A few days walk beyond Jomsom, takes you the final destination, Muktinath, the holy temple. This trek allows access to the high mountains of the Himalayas within a reasonable time-frame and without ascending to extreme altitude. You get 2 alternatives to return to Pokhara, you can either be made by retracing your steps down the Kali Gandaki Valley or by have flight from Jomsom to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Itinerary
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Pokhara – Lumle – Tikhe Dhunga ( 1491m)
We drive to the large village of Lumle and the hamlet of Chandrakot. From here the trail descends steeply to Birethanti on the banks of the Modi Khola. We follow the east bank of the Bhurungi with some detours to avoid cliffs. Along the way, various hamlets offer ample camping possibilities but if Ghorepani is the objective for the next day it is better to push on to Tikhe Dhunga.
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Tikhe Dhunga – Ghorepani (2,774m)
The trail ascends a steep stone staircase to Ulleri village then more pleasantly through rhododendron forest. There is a hut with water and a small camp site about 1 hr. above Ulleri, and further, on the stream is followed, providing water for a meal stop. Arrive at the top of the Ghorepani pass and Camp there.
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Ghorepani to Tatopani (1,190m). 5 hours
Early in the morning, hike up to Poon Hill (3,100m) for more panoramic views of the mountains and out to the Ganges plain before thermals bring the steamy clouds up from the jungle below. Back down to your hotel for breakfast and then begin the long descent down to Tatopani which lies between two 8000 metre peaks, Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m). It is situated at the bottom of the Kali Gandaki gorge which is considered to be the deepest in the world using the two peaks on either side as reference points. Tatopani, which aptly means ‘hot water’. The hot springs that give the village its name provide the perfect opportunity for a good scrub and relaxing tired muscles. The food and hospitality is amazing.
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Tatopani to Ghasa (2,120m). About 5hours
As the canyon narrows the trail is forced high up the cliff, at one point passing through a tunnel carved into the rock. The trek passes by a most beautiful Rukse Chhahara (waterfall) before reaching Ghasa, the first Tibetan- style village of the upper Kali Gandaki where the stone houses are characterized by the flat roof and narrow covered always.
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Ghasa to Tukuche (8900ft.) 5 hours walk
The Kaligandaki now opens up into a wide gravel bed as the trail travels through coniferous forests past Kalopani to Tukche. During the day, there are good views of the Dhaulagiri Icefalls to the west. On a hill above Larjung an interesting Gompa with many old painting. Over night at Tukche.
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Tukuche to Jomsom (2,760m) 6 hours walk
After break fast in the morning, the trek trail is now through several typical Thakali village such as Marpha, a lovely village of whitewashed houses and fertile fields, famous for its apple brandy and jam. This large Thakali village exhibits the typical Thak Khola architecture of flat roofs and narrow paved alleys and passageways. It is quite wonderful to wander its streets and shops â entirely different from towns in the West and still without automobiles. After this a gentle walk takes us to beautiful city area called Jomsom, the administrative headquarters for the region, straddling both sides of the Kali Gandaki. Convection winds grow stronger in the afternoon and exhilaratingly, we walk with the wind assisting us northward. The major inhabitants of Jomsom are government officials, army and merchants engaged in distribution of the goods brought in by plane and pony caravans.
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Jomsom to Kagbeni (2,840m)
After breakfast in the morning, our trek begins by 8:30 a.m. crossing the Kali Gandaki river by bridge then trek about three hours to reach Eaklibatti village; another hour brings us to Kagbeni which is lies at the bank of two rivers: Kali Gandaki (flows from Muktinath) and Nilgiri (flows from Mt. Nilgiri). There are good current of wind that blows 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. through the trail. This village is picturesque with old fortress ruins, ‘desert badland’ landscapes and villagers going about their peaceful lives.
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Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,817m) 4 hours walk
After taking breakfast, the trail rises up out of the valley to a high desert bench overlooking the river below. We walk onwards to Muktinath â an important pilgrimage destination for Hinduism and Buddhism with a Gompa and Pagoda style temples. The most interesting importance of the area however is the spot with burning natural gas.
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Muktinath to Jomsom (2,760m) 5 hours walk.
The trail descent to the valley for over 1525m. below as we retrace our steps to Jomsom through the beautiful arid landscapes. The new perspectives upon the mountains and ease of descending makes this a great final day of trekking.
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Jomsom to Pokhara by flight.
Take breakfast early in the morning, then short walk to airport and fly back to Pokhara. Note: You can do the itinerary in reverse order.
Cost & Dates
Dates and Prices
- Start and End dates – Flexible
- Annapurna Area Fee US$ 50 per person
- Jomsom-Pokhara airfare US$ 74 per person
Cost Includes
- Transportation from Pokhara to trail head.
- 09 Nights local lodge accommodation in the mountain
- 3 meals a day
- 1 English Speaking Guide
- 1 porter (carries about 25 kilos)
Price Doesn't Include
- Drinks, tips and other expenses of personal nature
- Accommodation and transportation to Pokhara
- Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events like flight delay, cancellation etc.
